The Unbeatable Flying Crane
Tales & Traditions
Master Li had a reputation for being a great fighter and was known as “The Unbeatable Flying Crane”. Although his skill in crane style kung fu was flawless, he was always being challenged by other fighters trying to become heroes and legends by defeating him.
On one occasion a fighter named Fu, who was an expert in tiger style, challenged Master Li.
Fu said, “I have come to pluck your feathers and put an end to the crane’s flight.”
Master Li smiled and replied, “The day that a tiger flies to catch a crane would be special indeed. Do you possess that kind of skill?”
Fu shouted, “I can leap high into the air, then pounce upon you and tear your feathers with my tiger claws and teeth.”
Again, Master Li answered, “You are mistaking a flying crane for a running gazelle in an attempt to be a hero. You will find yourself to be out of your element.”
Fu shouted again, “Enough talk.” Then he roared and prepared himself by taking his fiercest tiger stance to attack Li.
Master Li replied, “You are brave, but that alone will not make you a hero.” Then he beckoned to Fu and flew up onto a set of the plum flower poles where he regularly trained.
Fu chased him trying to claw at Li, but he was out of reach because the poles were too high. Li flew from pole to pole and frustrated Fu. Then in a fit of rage, Fu leapt into the air and landed on one of the poles.
Master Li said, “Now, we shall see if a tiger can fly high above the ground.” Then he flew to a pole close to Fu and effortlessly stood on one leg with his arms spread like wings taunting the tiger.
At once, Fu leaped in an attempt to claw Li, but he missed and fell to the ground ten feet below injuring his back.
Then Li flew down, helped Fu to his feet, and said, “You have the heart of a hero.”
Fu replied, “But I didn’t defeat you.”
Laughing, Master Li said, “Being a hero calls for bravery, which you do possess, but you lack the mind of a hero because your strategy was poor. A tiger can’t fly, but that didn’t stop you. I like your tenacity and if you will become my student, I will give you wings to fly.”
Fu nodded his head and Li replied, “Great! A real hero is also humble.”